Summer Safety Reminders

With all of the grilling and gathering and swimming that summer brings, it’s time for some seasonal safety reminders. Today, I’ve rounded up some resources to ensure your summer is fun—and safe. 

Water Safety from the Red Cross

“Water competency is a way of improving water safety for yourself and those around you through avoiding common dangers, developing fundamental water safety skills to make you safer in and around the water, and knowing how to prevent and respond to drowning emergencies. Water competency has 3 main components: water smarts, swimming skills and helping others.”

Fireworks Safety from the National Safety Council

“In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.”

Insect Safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. While some cases are mild, these diseases can be severe and have lasting consequences. Some diseases caused by bug bites can be prevented with vaccines or medication, like yellow fever and malaria; however, many cannot, such as Zika and Lyme. On your trip, avoid bug bites to prevent getting sick.”

Boating Safety from the National Safety Council

“With more than 11 million recreational vessels registered in the U.S., millions of Americans are enjoying time on and in the water.

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,291 boating incidents that resulted in 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries, and about $46 million in property damage. Stay safe by being prepared and using the appropriate equipment, whether enjoying a ride on a motorized boat, paddling a kayak or wakeboarding.”

And last but not least, one of the most important steps you can take toward a healthy and safe summer is to get your COVID-19 vaccine. Learn how.